Cathy Dobson/The Independent

Two controversial housing projects found renewed support from the majority of Sarnia politicians.

That’s despite sustained pressure from local residents to locate both projects somewhere else.

Pivotal motions were approved that are expected to expedite construction of a 51-unit supportive housing complex on George Street, and a 62-unit affordable housing complex at the corner of Exmouth and Melrose streets.

About 25 people protesting one or the other of the projects attended Tuesday’s council meeting. 

So did Sue Lambier, a retired social services worker, who said she went to the meeting to represent the children, the sick and the needy who are on wait lists for affordable and supportive housing.

“I am here to support the people who are living on the edge; the families that are living in cars that I have personally met,” she said, adding that she is relieved that decisions were made by council to move the developments forward.

INDWELL’S GEORGE ST. SUPPORTIVE HOUSING GETS NOD

The first related to the George Street proposal to build 51 units of supportive housing in partnership with Indwell and Lambton County.

Council voted against a motion from Counillor George Vandenberg to get city staff, county staff and Indwell to find an alternative site for supportive housing and abandon the George Street plan.

Vandenberg received a round of applause and cheers from the gallery when he argued that the George Street neighbourhood is unique and going through a “renaissance.”

“It’s not my intent that Indwell not operate anywhere in Sarnia,” Vandenberg said.  “I think we can find another place.”

Councillor Chrissy McRoberts countered saying, “We are going to meet this challenge over and over. No one’s going to want it.”

The proposal has been a hot topic since Indwell revealed in June that the county had donated the land to provide housing for the city’s most vulnerable who may be dealing with addiction or mental health issues.  The Indwell model focuses on “wraparound” services that support the residents and secure the property.

But an estimated 50 neighbours have repeatedly said they are already doing their part for this vulnerable population because the River City Vineyard shelter is located nearby already.  They’re demanding that Indwell and the county find another location.

Tuesday, council heard from Teri Griffiths, a representative from Dr. George Farag’s office next door to the proposed supportive housing lands. She urged council to stop the development from moving forward and consider another location.

Dr. Farag and a group of medical specialists have offered to purchase the property from Indwell so they can build a “medical hub” of doctor’s offices near the hospital, she said.

“Please understand that this is not about the judgement of people who need support like what Indwell offers,” said Griffiths.  “It’s about the right location and the impact on people already in our community.”

Following the debate, Vandenberg’s motion to find another site was lost in a 5-4 vote.  Only Coun. Vandenberg, Coun. Anne Marie Gillis, Coun. Terry Burrell and Coun. Bill Dennis voted in favour of it.

APPROVAL FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING TO REPLACE EMERGENCY SHELTER 

Council also agreed Tuesday to continue working with the Inn of the Good Shepherd and Lambton County on an affordable housing proposal on Exmouth Street.

In a 5-4  recorded vote, council threw support behind the project, which will mean the end to a lengthy and expensive appeal process to the Ontario Land Tribunal initiated by the Inn.

In March, council went against its own planning staff’s recommendation and rejected the housing proposal, which is located where an overflow emergency shelter now operates in the former Laurel Lea-St. Mathew’s Church. 

But a counter-proposal has now satisfied most on council that the project is sound. The new plan is for a six-storey, 62-unit affordable housing complex that provides more green space and parking than the original proposal.

Those who voted in support of the new proposal included: Councillors Dave Boushy, Brian White, Adam Kilner, Chrissy McRoberts and Mayor Mike Bradley.

Council also unanimously endorsed a motion from Councillor Bill Dennis to develop a formal safety plan to keep the neighbours safe around any Indwell residential community.

“This should be a no brainer,” said Dennis. “I’m not asking for world peace, I’m asking for basic safety, respect and accountability for the people who live around their facilities.

“If our community doesn’t feel safe, nothing else matters,” he said.  All of council agreed.

A safety plan is always a good plan,” commented The Inn’s Myles Vanni after the meeting.

He said council’s willingness now to move forward with the Inn’s affordable housing proposal means the design phase and the costing for the build will go ahead.

Once the Inn’s board is certain the Exmouth Street project is viable, applications for government funding will be made and a capital campaign will take place in Sarnia-Lambton.

“I would hope by next spring we’ll have a budget design,” said Vanni. 

That should provide time for more beds to open to support the 80-plus people currently sheltered at the former church.

“There are a lot of moving pieces but now it’s rolling forward,” Vanni said.